House debates Questions without Notice
Prime Minister
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Arts
3:02 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. In his media conference today, the Prime Minister was asked about changes to restrictions based on vaccination rates. The Prime Minister said, 'Ultimately, everything is a state matter.' Won't the Prime Minister take responsibility for anything?
Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
3:03 pm
That is just sad. Honestly, it is just sad, the way that the opposition come in here and seek to twist and turn comments. I was referring to public health orders and the public health social measures that are the province of the states and territories. These are not new powers of the states and territories. They have always had them. They haven't been referred to them. They haven't been granted to them. They are the responsibilities that states and territories have always had. The opposition needs to grow up.
Mr Burke interjecting—
Tony Smith Speaker
The Prime Minister has indicated that he's completed his answer.